The Sun. — London, England, 1864-12-29 00:00:00

fIEATRE-ROYAL DRURY-LANE• Managers, Messrs. E. Falconer and F. B. Chatterton. THIS EVENING, and during the week, A YOUNG I..AD FROM THE COUNTRY. Alter which, the Grand Christmas Pantomime, HOP O'3lY TiTUMB AND HIS ELEVEN BROTHERS; or, Harlequin anx the Ogre of the Seven-League Boots : Messrs. G. Bel more, Tom Matthews, G. Weston, Master Percy Roselle, ,t c. Misses Lydia Thompson. R. Lcclercq, ac.; Messrs. Boleno, C. Lauri, W. A. Barnes, T. Morris, CormaAr, Savil:e ; Mdme. Boleno, the Misses Gunnis, and Signor Tescano. THEATRE ROYAL, DRURY- LANE. — Special Morning Performances.—ln answer to numer ous applications from parties residing in the environs, and in order to allow the country visitors to London during the holiday week an opportunity of witnessing the grand Drury lane annual Christmas Pantomime, entitled HOP 0' MY !THUMB AND HIS EL EVEN BROTHERS; or, Harlequin Ale' the Ogre of the Seven-league Boots, Messrs. Falconer stud Chatterton have dec•ded on giving THREE MORN ING PERFORMANCES, THIS DAY, THURSDAY, December 29, Friday, to, and Saturday, 31, and on the morning of every Wednesday and Saturday during the holiday season. Children and schools at reduced prices to the following parts of the theatre First elide, dress circle, and rtalls, for morning performances only. 11111 - IEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET.- Lessee. Mr. Buckstone. ;HIS EVENING, Dec. 28 DAVID GARRICK. Messrs. Chtivendale, Sothern, Buckstone, Rogers, Clark, Coe, Wea thers by, .lc. ; Mesdames Moore, Snowdon, Fitzwilliam, After which, LORD DUNDREARY MARRIED AND PONE FOR. Messrs. Sothern, Buckstone, Braid, Gordon, Clark, White, Coe, Weathersby, ; Mesdames Snowdon, gill, &c. With PRINCESS SPRINGTIME. Mr. Compton, Miss L. Keeley. And MRS. WHITE. To commence at 7. ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE. Mr. FECHTER will perform his universally allowed great impersonation of RCY BLAS EVERY EVENING until further notice. THIS EVENING, to commence with MY WIFE'S OUT. Messrs. Widdicomb, Charles ; Miss B. !Percy and Miss E. Lavenu. Atter which, at 8 o'clock, RUY BLAS. Ruy Bias, Mr. Fechter. Messrs. Ryder, Fitzpatrick, P. Charles, APlntyre, Garden, Raymond, 1.;ollett, C ifford, Moreland; Misses Car lotta Leclereq, B. Percy, and Mrs. Winstanley. To conclude with a Farcical Oriental Extravaganza, en titled BAREFACED IMPOSTORS. Schahabaham (a pasha H of three tails, Mr. Raymond; Mustapha, his vizier, Mr. (, arden ; Bill Stumps and Jack Hocus, quondam proprietors of the original unit ed happy family, Messrs. Moreland and Witldicomb ; All, chief guardian of the ladies of the Harem, Mr. Collett ; Osman Khan. chief executioner, Mr. Bunch ; Achmet Aga, an officer of the Sultan, Mr. Kelly; Mirza Bajji. Baba, chief keeper of the monkeys, Mr. Regan; Ayesha, formerly Jemima Stumps, but nom first favourite of the nasha, Miss Lavenu; Fatima, second favourite of the pasha, Witis B. Percy ; Shekerleb, third favourite of the pasha, Miss 1%-avers ; Beda, fourth favourite of the pasha, Mis 4 Watson ; Zeimbia' formerly banou of the harem, chief wife of the v asha, but now discarded for Ayesha, Miss Hatch. Various e t, oice specimens of zoology, guards, slaves, and attendants, b y the numerous and talented Smith family. Divertissement des Odalisques. Doors open at Half -past Six. The Box-office open daily from Eleven till Five. EIB Proprietor V TlfE and ATRE; I RO YAL, ADELPHI.— Manager. Mr. B. Webster. -L THIS EVENING, THE WORKMEN OF PARIS. 11r. Benjamin Webster; Messrs. Billim,ton, R. Phillips, Stuart, Stephenson, Eburne, C. J. Smith ; :Mrs. Stirling, niss Woolgar (Mrs. A. Mellon), Miss H. Simms. Mrs. Bil ling-ton, Mrs. 11. Lewis, and Miss A. Seamen. ;Co conclude with DARK DOINGS IN THE CUP BOiI.RD BY THE KNOTTING'ENI BROTHERS. Messrs. J. L. Toole, Paul Bedford, It. Phillips, and Mrs. A. Mellon. Commence at 7. ivII SS BATEMA N.-NEW THEATRE ROYAL ADELPHL— Mr. Webster begs to announce that the great Tragedienne, Miss BATEMAN, having per formed with unparalleled success the character of " Leah" fora period of nine consecutive months during the last season at this Theatre, and since won the plaudits of thousands in Liverpool, Birmingham, Dublin, Manchester, and tilasgow, she will RE-APPEAR at this Establishment JANUARY 2d, 1865, in her original character of the Jewish Maiden for a limited number of nights, previously to her appearing in other illustrations of the (.la-sic Drama, which are in prepa ration. The 8.,x-office will be opened on Monday, Dec. 19, when places may be secured for Miss Bateman's engagement a fortnight in advance. ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE.- Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. Geo. Vining. THIS EVENING, a new Extravaganza, entitled THE MAGIC HORSE AND THE ICE MAIDEN I RINCES3. - After which, THE STREETS OF LONDON. Messrs. Vining, J. W. Ray, D. Fisher, D. Murray, J. Nelson, H. For,re.ter. H. Mellon ; Mrs. Henry Marston, Miss Emma itarnilt, and Miss ninny Gwynne. -- - ROYAL STRAND THEATRE. Sole Lessee and Manageress, Mrs. Swanborough. THIS EVENING, at 7, SHORT AND SWEET. After which, the Grand Christmas Burlesque, THE " GRIN" BUSHES ; or, the Mrs. Brown of the Missia-sippi. Messrs. Stoyle, Thorne, James, Fenton, Ic.; Mesdames Ada Swanborough, Raynham, Simpson, Johnstone, &c. To cpnclude with THE WILFUL WARD. Miss Palmer. ( . 1 RATIS AND POST FREE E, MOSES and SONS' New Pamphlet, THE PHILOSOPHY OF DRESS. FMOSES AND SON • respectfully _j call attention to their large and well assorted stock of JUVENILE CLOTHING. The newest fabrics are combined with the latest and most fashionable pesigns, and the best workmanship. E. MOSES and SON ove particular attention to this important branch of their Lub.iness, and they can with confidence affirm that the prices are b uch as must satisfy the most economical. This depart ment is in a distinct part of the premises, which will be 1 uund a gre.st conwnience for ladies and children, - E1 MOSES AND SON ju• respectfully invite public attention to their large and well-assorted WINTELt STOCK. 111 MOSES AND SON'S 11 1 _ 1 j,"SANDRINGHAM" and " DANISH " WRAPPE R ‘ . .ttroduced by o heir o l va et c h o e at n s e ;o v r est le and most f ashlon tb:e style Tr - i t MOSES AND SON'S Xj• READY-MADE and BESPOKE CLOTHING for all classes and all ages. - V MOSES AND SON'S . Ej• CELEBRATED " INDTSPENSABLE" SUIT, from 30s. - L1 MOSES AND SON'S I• HOSIERY and DRAPERY, for all classes and all ages. EMOSES AND SON'S • HATS AND CAPS, for all c asses and all ages. EMOSES AND SON'S • BOOTS and SHOES, for all classes and all ages. E• MOSES AND SON'S OUTFITS, for all classes, all ages, and all climates. MOSES AND S 0 N'S • LONDON HOUSES, 16 , 156, 10, 157, Minories; 83, 84, 85, 80, 87, 88, 89, Aldgate ; 808 507, 508, New Oxford -- street; 1,2, 3, Hart - street ; 137, 138, Tottenham-court-road ; 288, Euston-road Also, Bradford, Yorkshire. - El MOSES AND SON'S it. Establishments are closed every Friday evening at sunset until Saturday evening at sunset, when business is re sumed until 1i o'clock. A 1 articles arc marked the lowest prices in plain figures. Any article not appr3ved of will be exchanged, or the mousy re tvrned. List of Prices with Rules for Self-measurement, Fashion Card, and our new pamphlet, " The Philosophy of Dress," gratis and post free. COALS. —The LILLESHAL L COMPANY'S COALS. Direct from their own Collieries. Marquis'.......2ss. per ton. 1 Double .. 21s. per ton. Top 251. „ 1 Deep .22e. „ Well screened and delivered within five miles of their De pots, Westbourne Park-road, W., and 17, South Wharf, raddington, W., and Maiden-lane, N. Best Coke Terms cash. JOHN SCOTT, dole Agent. T" THIRD EDITION OF " THE SUN," Containing the Latest SPORTING INTELLIGENCE, pan be had Every Evening of G. ft. GLENIE, NEWS AGENT, /To. 4, Connaught-terrace, Hyde-park. THE LATEST EDITION of " THE SUN" supiplied, as goon as published every Evening by W. ALICIANDZR (late BROOKS), Newspaper Agent, 24, OM Cavendish- street, Oxford-strut. .HIGII WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. Tills DAY.—Morning, 211. 12m.—Afternoon, 2h. 35m. To-Kovalow.-Morsiug, 2h. 54m.—Afternoon, 3h. 18m. , Ztit LONDON, THURSDAY, DEC. 29, 1804. The intelligence which:,is brought to ns by the Haws, demands to be received with extreme caution. It is generally advisable to read the Northern accounts of their victories, cum grano soils, bat there are several points about the re. parted capture of Savannah which make the story more than nant ,ll 7 doubtful. It is of course pos sible, though improbable, that SHERMAN'S troops, weary and exlaanatcd by a, long march through a hostile country, and diminished in numbers by the casualties of the way, should have captured a strongly entrenched city li ke Savannah, with a triple lino of defences Stlis age. P e r tended by the first military engineer of his But that this capture should have been effected in eiyht hours, and that 11,000 men should have been taken prisoners with the city, is certainly in. credible. Eleven thousand men, efficiently led and organised, and animated by the spirit which firs every Southern breast against the ruthless invaders, ought to have held a city fortified like Savannah against ten times their number. BEAUREGARD, we are told, had left Savannah for Charleston, which seems most improbable, as he must have been aware that the great point of interest and danger was at Savannah. Certainly the Federals must have improved in assault, or the Confederates have deteriorated in their skill in de fence, if Savannah has been captured after eight hours' fighting, when Charleston has held out for three years. But, as we have said, the account must be received with grave doubt and reserve. It is likely enough that the reported capture of Fort M'Allister is authentic ; but that is a very different thing from the capture of Savannah itself I Fort M'Allister is situated on the Ogechee river, some 13 or 16 miles south-west of Savannah, and about six miles from the mouth of Ossabaw Sound, and con sequently its possession has put SHERMAN in com munication with Admiral DAHLGREN and his fleet. The Admiral's despatches to Washington rejoice over this achievement, but it is noticeable that the rumour of the capture of Savannah only came by a circuitous route—a steamer which left Charleston Bar at eight o'clock on the morning of the 14th December having brought the report to Baltimore. Now, as the steamer in question left Charleston Bar on the early morning of the 14th, and it was not until the 14th that Fort M'Al lister itself was captured, how is it possible for the news of the fail of Savannah to have reached Char. leston at that time ? Again, Mr STANTON, in his despatch of December 16th, says that up to that hour (half -past 8 p.m.) nothing had been heard from SHERMAN beyond the news of the capture of Fort M'Allister in the Richmond papers of that day. Since then Admiral DAHLGREN was in com munication with SHERMAN and also in active com munication with Washington, it is probable he would have forwarded such gratifying intelligence with all possible speed. Another part of the the news received by the Henn refers to HooD, who, according to his version of affairs, has been attacked and driven back Iby THOMAS with the loss of sixteen guns and one thousand prisoners. The whole complexion of the Hansa's intelligence is so evidently Northern that it is difficult to know how much or how little to believe. The Nashville part of the business is cer tainly less improbable than the oaser, but we should not be surprised if that should also turn out to be greatly exaggerated. It is difficult to see what the Federal authorities gain by this system of spreading canards and of embroidering facts; but it has been so often proved that they do condescend to such pitiful devices, that it is quite impossible to accept their information au pied de la leltre. Our peace-at-any-price-party will read with some ap. prehension and uneasiness the newa respecting Canada. As might have been expected, the discharge of the St Albans raiders has greatly incensed the Northern States, and General Dix very coolly issues a proclamation announcing that he feels bound to protect the people of the frontier States from rebel marauders, and he therefore authorises all military commanders on the frontiers, in case of further acts of depredation, to shoot the offenders, if possible, but should they cross the boundary, he directs the commanders " to pursue them wherever they may take refuge," and under no circumstances to surrender them. This is tolerably cool, even for Yankee assurance, and it proves that Lord RUS SELL'S lessons have not been thrown away. What can be said of the suicidal folly of the Northern Government in thus incensing England and driving her to do what it deems she has not sense or spirit enough to do of herself—to recognise the South P The language of Mr. CHANDLER, in the Washing ton Senate, clearly enough indicates the temper of the Federals, who now quietly propose to de• mend from Great Britain an indemnity for the whole value of the Northern ships de stroyed by the Confederates. The South will, perhaps, in their turn demand compensation for Southern property destroyed by English and Irish men in the Federal service, or for damage done by Birmingham guns. "It is not intended," we are told by Northern organs, " ihat there should b 3 any frivolous excuse offered. The consequences rest entirely with the British authorities—they may have war or peace—but the United States Government is determined to have justice." Pos sibly they may get that justice in a wholesome but unpalatable form. It would certainly be quite consistent with the whole con duct of the Federal Government Generals and soldiery throughout the war if an in vasion of Canada were organised at a season when it is difficult for English aid to reach the colonies, bat New York and Washington had better subdue Richmond before they talk quite so largely about Quebec and Montreal. It would be a pain. ful but a salutary lesson that Federal pride would have to learn at our hands, and although we may certainly be absolved from any desire for war, we have been to blame for our culpable weakness and timidity in dealing with them. When they saw us afraid to maintain our rights, submitting to a sys tem of spying, obeying their most arrogent dic tates, while we disregard plain justice towards the Confederates, tolerating the enlistment of our sub. jects, and the ex port of the munitions of war; while we objected to unarmed vessels leaving our shores for Southern ports, even Yankee 'cuteness may be pardoned for supposing the old country to to . have grown either helpless or supine. The Relief of Distress is the subject which is uppermost in the social world just now, but it yet remains to be seen how effective will be all the deliberations on the question, and what advantages the poor will reap from them. At all events, it may be hoped that with the increased attention paid to these sad and mournful themes another winter may ❑ot find us so sadly unprepared to meet the emergency as this has done, and that grim want and gaunt starvation may no longer stalk along our streets unchecked and unhindered by private charity or public provisions. The arrow that flieth in darkness, and the pestilence that destroyeth in the noonday, are rivalled, if not eicelled, in horror by the perpetual vision be fore us of our fellow creatures literally perishing from want and privation, worn down in strength, neglected in sickness, forsaken in death. It ap pears strange that in this age of invention, and this land of enormous wealth, no plan can be devised which shall, at all events, mitigate the evil. In. difference to the wants of the poor is a real feature of the generation in which we live. There are societies and institutions to a great extent, but these are as drops in the ocean, and the only Bp parent stopgap to the wide-spreading of want and wretchedness, the Union may, without eiags geration, be simply designated a failure. This has been well known for some time paet, yet it is not seen that any steps are taken by those in authority to remedy the want or redress the wrong so bitterly complained of, and whose ill effects are so constantly before our eyes. In the meantime many sugges tions are being made which it would be wise to take into consideration, since in the multitude of counsellors there is wisdom, and amid several plans and provisions it is not unnkely that some should discover the right mode of dealing with the diffi culty. A gentleman connected with the Society for the Relief of Distress has written to the limos of today, and his remarke are we'A worthy of at. tention. The " long and painful interest" which he avers to have taken in these subjects, entitles him to consideration, and we may be sure that he speaks of what he knows, and does:not jump at conclusions and imagine events, but discourses of what is too sad not to be true. He proposes that in each parish there should be a more marked difference between the "establishment provided for true suffering and helplessness and that for the accommodation of the genuine and accomplished tramp.'' Such an idea is a very good one, and if half of the trouble now taken to drive claimants away were devoted to a discriminating purpose, how much better it would be for the interests of individuals and the welfare of society. At present because some pau pers are idle or unworthy, the whole are classed together as vagrants, not only in the sight of the officials of the place, as too often happens, but also in that of the world at large. The easy well-doing persons who think the object of life is to make themselves comfortable, and spend their time in this world in heaping up goofs which they cannot take away with them when they leave it, look with a jaundiced eye upon the propositions for affording extra relief, and think too much is done already for them. These anti• philanthropists have been allowed their own way long enough in all conscience, and it is time for some kinder, more humane, and sympathising prin ciples to make their way, if we would not incur the reproach of being the must wealthy and wretched community in the world. Another remark made in this letter merits notice, and that is the importance of outdoor relief being afforded, It is, as here truly stated, "an economy in the long ran." It will be indeed a blessed day for the indigent when this truth becomes recognised by the donors of that enigmatical boon, parochial relief; but doubtless much has first to be learned before this desirable ultimatum be arrived at. It is said in this letter that the object of refusing out door assistance is to " stave off" the application, meaning, as they do, that such offers will be re. fused ; but too often in many such instances the unfortunate family eventually become paupers, and are chargeable to some parish or other as " chronic paupers." What a fatal error of judgment it must be which thus induces the hosts of officials to per sist in this practice. And in a pecuniary sense it is a failure very often, for a little timely aid would often prevent a grand crash or final breaking up of homes, and casting forth of the inmates upon the world. A friend in need is proverbial for its value, but never, it may be affirmed, can such assistance be procured at the places called Reliefs and Houses on the principle of lucus non lucendo. Another victim has just died, and swelled the long list of those who preferred a death by starvation in solitude to exposing herself to the tender mercies of parochial aid. Nothing seems to move the adaman tine resolves, and shake the stoical indifference of those who have to deal with the Poor-law arrange ments, but the time has surely come when the public should take the matter up, and decide for themselves how much longer inaptness or unwil lingness is to deal out scanty portions for starving thousands in so grudging a style that life's severest privations and death's most gloomy advent is pres ferred infinitely to the ordeal of receiving their donations. No other department of the State is suf fered to go on in error without any attempt being made to rectify its abuses and remedy its deficiences. Why then, it may be asked, is the Poor-Law Board left so long unmolested, and allowed to escape with impunity from the much required and long deferred reform of its mechanism and machinery ? And during the next session it will be a very great disgrace to all concerned, if the subject is ❑ot brought on and the question thoroughly sifted in all its details, It is not the way to get on to let everything alone till the last fort night or so of the Session, and then to smuggle in some temporary proviso to keep up appearances and apparently to provide for the exigencies of the time. When a system is proved to be wrong in its working, it is _evident that some great mi,chiti must rank in its fundas mental principles; and those who call themselves the friends of the people had better prove them selves what they profess by setting to this task. It may bs an ungracious and ungenial one, but its ab solute necessity has been shown by incontrovertible evidence ; and the witnesses are solemn ones, that speak to us of the failure of our previous under takings. Justice requires that the sums set apart for the relief of distress should be expended, so far as possible, in a way that meets the difficulty and answers the end in view, and not doled out in such a form that in many cases they are worse than use■ less, and in others only serve to lower and degene rate those that they were designed to assist. SIR ROBERT NAPIER, whose fire years' tenure of office as Military Member of Council, will be Com mander-in-Chief at Bombay, vice Sir William Mansfield, who will succeed Sir Hugh Rose. SIR HUGH ROSE'S ACCIDENT appears, by pri vate letters, to have been much worse than was represented in the newspapers, or than was at first supposed. He is so much shaken that it is ❑ot believed he will be able to mount his horse again before leaving India. The most recent ac. counts represent his Excellency as still lying very ill at the house of Gen. Wheeler, commanding at Meerut. The Commander-in-Chief's camp has been broken up, and all idea of a continuance of a tour of inspection abandoned. As soon as able to move Sir Hugh will make his way straight to Calcutta. AGES OP THE NODILITT, &o.—lt appears from Who', Who in 1865 that the oldest duke is the Duke of Northumberland, aged 72—the youngest the Duke of Norfolk,aged 17—the oldest marquis, the Marquis of West meath, aged 79—the youngest the Marquis of Ely, aged 15—the oldest earl, the Earl of Beverley, aged 86—the youngest the Earl of Charleville, aged 12—the oldest viscount, Viz count Combermere, aged 91—the youngest Viscount Downe, aged 20--the oldest Baron is Lord Brougham, aged 86—the youngest Lord Rodney, aged 7 the oldest member of the Privy Council is Viscount Comber mere, aged 91—the youngest the Prince of Wales, aged 23 the oldest member of the House of Commons is General the Hon. Sir Hugh Arbuthnot, member for Kincardineshire, aged 85—the youngest the Hon. C. R. D• H. Tracy, mem • her fur Montgomeryshire, aged 24—the oldest judge in England is the Right Hon.:Stephen Luehington, aged 82— the youngest, Sit James P. Wilde, aged 48—the oldest judge in Ireland is Chief Justice Lefroy, aged 18--the youngest, Justice Keogh, aged 47—the oldest Scotch Lord of Session is the Right Hon. Duncan Lord Jus tice General, aged 71—the youngest, the Right Hon. John Inglis, Lord Justice Clerk, aged 54—the oldest archbishop is the Archbishop of Canterbury, aged 70—the youngest, the Archbishop of York, aged 45—the oldest bishop is the Bishop of Exeter, aged 87—the youngest, the Bishop of Gloucester and Bristol, aged 45—the oldest colonial bishop is the Bishop of Toronto, aged 85—the youngest, the Bishop of Na3sau, aged 38—the oldest baronet is Sir Thom, Staples. aged 89—the youngest, Sir George R. Sitwell, aged 4—the oldest civil or military knight is General Sir A, B. Clifton, aged 92--the youngest, Sir Charles T. Bright, aged 32, SCHOLASTIC REGISTRATION.—The General Committee, encouraged by the success which has attended tlie movement in favour of Scholastic Registra tion, has resolved to convene a public meeting of school masters, and others interested in education, to consider the best means of bringing the question before the Legislature and the public. The meeting will be held on Thursday, sth January, at two p.m., at the rooms of the Society of Arts, John-street, Adelphi. The hon. secretary will read a report of the progress of the movement to this date, and will give an outline of the Medical Act, which has suggested the proposed act, on a somewhat analogous plan, for the Registration of Schoolmasters and Teachers. Several gen tlemen of influence will take part in the meeting; and it i■ earnestly hoped that all promoters of educational reform will endeavour to attend, and co-operate with those whose object is to obtain for the public some protection against incompe tent educators, and for the profession the position to which its character and importance entitle it,•-,Edsscationad Ti;nes. rHE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, DECEMBEIV",29, 1864. LATEST INTELLIGENCE, [REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.] ROME. ROME, DEC. 28. The Giornali di Roma of to-day, in correcting some details of the recent encounter between the French troops and the brigands, and in which some of the former were wounded, says that the Ponti fical Government does not encourage but is rather the victim of brigandage. TUKKEY. CONSTAIN - TINOPLE, DEC, 28, 7.5 P.M. A very stringent press law has been promo gated. The Tunisian Envoy has left Constantinople, having satisfactorily fulfilled his mission, The Porte has granted the concession for the construction of a railway from Jaffa to Jerusalem. RUSSIA, BERLIN, DEC. 29. Private advices from St. Petersburg state that PrinceGortechakoff seriously contemplates retiring from office. Baron de Budberg is spoken of as his BUCC6ISIBOr. M. Walinew, the Minister of the Interior,would, it is said, then proceed to Paris as Russian ambas sador, and be replaced by General Mulitin. It is further stated that Admiral Krable, the Minister of Marine, would resign, and that Admiral Glass napp would assume the vacant ministry. BOMBAY AND MAURITIUS MAILS. SUEZ, DEC. 27. The Benares, from Bombay, December 14th, arrived at 4 p.m. to-day. The Sultan, from Mauritius, December 6th, arrived at 5 p.m., on the 23d inst. FRANCE. PARIS, DEC. 29. The Moniteur of to-day publishes a note stating that the extraordinary budget for 1860, which amounts to a higher figure then the previous year, will be entirely balanced without having recourse to any extraordinary measures. The Constautionnel of today publishes an article signed by M, Paulin Limayrac, stating that the Encyclical Letter of the Pope has caused general surprise. He says that its application is impossible, and that if any danger exist it is in the reaction to which such attempts may give rise. France will remain faithful to the principles inscribed at the head of the constitution. The Emperor gave a grand dinner at the Tuileriee the evening before last to the marshals now in Paris, A number of persons collected yesterday before the reserved garden of the Tuileries, where they could perceive the Prince Imperial skating on one of the basins of ornamental water. The Empress was standing by looking at the Prince, who ap peared to greatly enjoy the exercise. The Em peror shortly after came and skated on the same basin. " The Prince Imperial," says the Sport, " has his guests at the Tuileries as he had at Compiegne. Every Sunday and Thursday he receives in his apartment his young friends, the sons of Dr. Con• neap, Generals Fleury and Burgoing, and the son of the late General Espinasse. The afternoon is passed in play or in a drive; at six dinner takes place, and at eight or half-past eight the young guests take leave of their host. On the occasion of Christmas his Imperial Highness invited his friends ant after having made them gather from a tree charged with presents various objects, kept them to dinner." "We have reason to know," says the Patric, " that the opening of the Legislative Session will take place between the 10th and 15th of February. The Budget of 1866 will be laid on the bureau of the Chamber on the day when that body shall have been constituted, end the committee charged to examine the document will be immediately ap• pointed. Owing to that course, the discussion of the Budget will not be postponed to the close of the session, and wilt lead to less hasty debates." _BOURSE, Dec. 28.—The market has been more firmer, but the business done shows no improve ment. Threes, for the Account, are now at 65f. 55c., and Mobilier at 942 f. 50c. Railway Market also firmer, but with only a moderate amount of business doing. The market closed as follows : ft per Cents. .. 93 70 Italian Loan 65 85 Do. end month 65 00 Ditto Threes ~.. Russian p 350 Austri anue a oll 8 603 s i a Mexican h n_ 27: ' hrees . . . . , . . —5 4 0 5 — 7 7 5 5 Rome Debt .. Deferred lAYS. Cash. Account. 0r1ean 5..... . Northern .... Lyons and Mediterranean 885 .. 885 Southern 4 55 4 4 °2 4 ° 1 2 2 — 2 5 5 0 5 0 ... .. . ... : . 5 4 355 4 4 1 1 4 11 6 2 0 15 5 2 5 2 5 0 5 Western Eastern Sardinian Austrian Lombard North of Spain ........377 50 .. 375 -- Saragossa Ditto to Barcelona Do. end month 3 per Cents Do. end month 65 50 Credit Mobilier,,,, 935 Do. end month.... 936 25 Bank Shares 3440 Credit I oncier 1250 50 Roman RA IL POLAND, The Ofcial Journal of Warsaw announces that the Minister of Finance of the Kingdom of Poland has been removed from his post and replaced by a Russian. The former was the last of the Polish functionaries that remained in the superior adminis tration of the kingdom. The project of the fusion and russification of all the Polish provinces has not ceased to be maintained in all its rigour by the Government of St. Petersburg. Disturbances at Bhootan, INDIA OFFICE, Dec, 28. The following telegram has been reeeiveu from India : " CALCUTTA, Deo. 12 . —Fortress of D alimkote, Bhootan, captured with slight loss of two officers and 50 men. Position described as very strong. An accidental explosion of powder caused the death of three officers and seven men." SHOOTING A WIFE AT PRESTEIQN.—It will be remembered that in October last a deserter from one of her Majesty's regiments, named Morris, shot his wife at a place called Kinsham, near Presteign, the charge of the gun tearing away the scalp and part of the skull, and so injuring the woman that death was for some days expected to result therefrom. Singular to relate, although the brain was disturbed the woman recovered. The husband at once decamped, and all efforts to capture him till yesterday had proved unavailing. It seems that Morris had carried the gun about with him, determined to shoot any one who should attempt his apprehension. For some time past it was thought he had returned to the vicinity of his home, and accordingly Superintendent Massey, of Presteign, took means to ascertain if this was a fact, A watch was set, and last night it was ascertained that a person answering the description of Morris had been seen to go in the direction of the cottage where his wife lived. A cordon of police were summoned, the house was surrounded, and Morris captured. He was conveyed to Presteign gaol and locked up in one of the cells, previous to taking him before the magistrates for examination, The officers had only left the cell a short time when they heard a peculiar noise proceed ing from it, and on going thither found the prisoner had tied the one end of his neckcloth tightly round his neck and the other round the grating, and had nearly succeeded in strangling himself. He was immediately cut down and medical aid summoned. Life was found to be nearly ex tinct, and the prisoner is not considered oat of danger. DEATH OF GENERAL SHERMAN'S CHILD.— General Sherman's youngest child, six months old, died last week at South Bend, In 1., at the residence of Speaker Colfax. The General's eldest children are pupils in the Catholic College in the - vicinity of that town,—.Nc4 l'ork Tribune, Acclimatisation in South Australia, The debate which took place in the House of Assembly on Mr C. Lindsay's motion for a grant in aid of the operations of the Acclimatisation Society suggested some considerations of import ance to the agricultural interests in this colony. There were things said in the course of the debate, and by members who profess to know something of farming pursuits, which were humbling to hear in such a place. Let it be clearly understood that the Acclimati sation Society does not propose to substitute for wheat growing either the breeding of silkworms or anything else. It proposes to introduce new industries—not to supersede, but to supp'ement the important work in which farmers are vow en gaged. South Australia is a wheat producing colony, and we have no doubt it will remain so for many generations to come. But we have always held that it is neither wise nor safe for our agriculturists to be dependent on one article of produce when other auxiliary and remunera• five cultures can be easily pursued. In former seasons they have had in the failures of their crops lessons which ought not to be forgotten. It is a serious thing for an industrious man who risks his capital and the whole labour of a year in the pro duction of one article when that article fails. Happily the last year or two have been successful ones. The land has abundantly yielded her in crease, and owing to the failure of crops in the neighbouring colonies prices have ruled high. We believe the whole community have reaped the ad vantage of the farmers' prosperity. Still it must hot be forgotten that less prosperous seasons may come round again, and it is well to be prepared for such a contingency. There can be no doubt that:many industries suet. cessfully pursued in other parts of the world would handsomely repay their culture among us ; and the main object of the Acclimatisation Society is, as far es possible, to aid in introducing these industries. The government have generously enough placed a portion of the Park lands at the disposal of the society, where experiments can be made on as large a scale as the funds will permit. The application to parliament was for a small sum in aid of preli minary expenses, and we certainly think that Mr Lindsay made out a good case. He said that the " objects of the society were the introduction and domestication of innoxious animals and plants from other countries, not for the mere purpose of forming a zoological garden, or interfering in any way with our present botanic garden, but for stocking the country with productions which would, in an econo mical point of view, promote its material interests, giving to the agriculturist a rotation of crops, and a variety of produots which he might profitably cultivate, instead of depending wholly on cereals, as at present." He then went on to state that the society had opened communications with similar societies in the other colonies and in Europe for the purpose of mutual exchange, and that their propo. eels had been favourably responded to. Already they had sent to Europe for a quantity of seeds of the best varieties of plants and trees, which in their opinion would be a valuable source of profit, some of them altogether new, and others partially intro. duced, such as flax, cotton, tobacco, coffee, tea, the mulberry and ailanthus trees, colza and poppy_ valuable for their oil—the cinchona, from the bark of which the medicine quinine is made, also several grasses." When these seeds arrive, and the expe• rimental garden is got into proper order, their cula tivation will be attempted, and seeds and cuttings will be distributed to any persons who may be will ing to cultivate them. Mr Lindsay especially referred to the importance of silk culture, for which in this colony we have all the required conditions of climate and soil. In the south of Europe our readers know that this is a most valuable branch of trade. It is quite possible that cultivation of the silkworm on a large scale would, with the present price of labour, scarcely be remu nerative—though even that is a matter of question ; but as ancillary to other pursuits it might become a welcome addition to a farmer's income. There are some months in the year when agricultural work is not very pressing, and this is the time when the silk is produced. There can be no doubt if the culture were once commenced it would as easily fall in with the main business of the farmer as beekeeping or fowl-producing does now, and with a much greater prospect of profit. Amongst the objects contemplated by the society is one which at first sight seems to be a very hum. ble affair, but which actually is not less important than those which look more imposing and ambitious. We refer to the proposed introduction of different varieties of small birdr which have a special taste for insects and grubs. These are becoming not only an intolerable nuisance, but the cause of serious loss to the farmer. We are constantly receiving accounts of the mischief which is wrought by these pests, which seem to set at defiance,every attempt to check their increase or to prevent their ravages. Native birds, as Mr Lindsay stated, do not seem to enjoy the neighbourhood of man, as they almost invert• ably retire before him ; but our old English friends, such as the sparrow, rejoice in human society, and aeem to be most at home amidst the busy haunts of men. It is well known that these birds are exceed ingly useful in keeping in check the increase o vexatious and noisome insects; so that it is not a mere childish amusement, beneath the nbtice of a body of grave and thoughtful men, to endeavour to acclimatise these small birds, but a work of great importance and usefulness. In all the neighbouring colonies the work of accli matisation has been vigorously taken up and ener getically prosecuted. Especially in Victoria has it gone on successfully, owing undoubtedly in a great measure to the indefatigable zeal and unwearied in. dustry of Mr Edward Wilson. That gentleman has thrown his whole energies into the good work, and in the face of sneers, contempt, and obloquy, he has succeeded, to an extent which ought to make any man proud, in establishing the Victorian Society on a firm basis. The Government have liberally , seconded the efforts of the society, and with a far seeing wisdom and foresight have recognised the service which such a society properly conducted may render to the colony. We have made one'or two efforts here, bat it must be confessed they have proved abortive. Now, however, we are glad to see the subject taken up in an earnest spirit. The thing has got into good hands, and we trust it will prove a great success. It seems very obvious, how. ever, that the society need not look to Parliament for much assistance. From the debate in the Assembly it is clear enough that no very cordial feeling exists amongst hon. members in favour of acclimatising efforts. Only £5OO was asked for to assist in starting a society which, in all probable !lay, will be the means of adding largely to the re sources of the colony, and that sum, small as it is, was refused, The Government offered £3OO, coupled with the_condition that the friends of the society should raise an equal amount, and that iroposal the house, not without some demur and grumbling, at last carried. We hope those who see the import ance of the movement will at once subscribe the amount requisite to secure the Parliamentary grant. There ought not to be much difficulty in obtaining £3OO for an object so well worthy of public sup. pert. If the Parliament have been shabby there is the more need for the public to be generous.— Adelaide Observer, Oct. 8. TRIFLE CHILD MURDER NEAR LEOMINSTER.— For some six months past a young woman, named Emma Smith, about 17 or 18 years of age, has been living in the service of a Mr Wilkes, at the Leystere, near Leomin ster. About half-past 12 o'clock on Monday last Mrs Wilkes had occasion to go upstairs, when she saw the girl Smith in one of the bedrooms with a large slop pail full of water. Airs Wilkes said she would carry it downstairs for the girl. To this Smith made strong objections; the sus picions of Mrs Wilkes became aroused ; she insisted upon taking the pail away with her, and eventually carried it downstairs. Mr Wilkes was communicated with, and ho examined the contents o. the pail with a stick. He first brought up to the top of the water the arm of a child, then the body of a fine grown infent ; he next brought up the leg and afterwards the body of a second child, and at last discovered a third. The throe children were all of course dead. The girl Smith had delivered herself of the three children at a birth, and pi ovided herself with the slop pail of water, into which she had plunged them immediately they were born. The girl had always borne a good charac ter and was a hard-working industrious servant, She re mains in custody, awaiting the inquest, Extraordinary Trial in France. A painful case of family litigation came before the Paris civil tribunal on Dec. 21. The following summary of the case is given by the Paris correspondent of a contemporary : —" The parties were the two sons, both confessedly illegi timate, of the late M. Musard, the originator of the concerts which yet bear his name. The plaintiff, Edme Musard, was born in 1818. His mother, Madame Charlotte Suzanne, is described as a rentiere, and must therefore be supposed to have had property. It was not disputed that the plaintiff was legally recognised by M. Musard as his illegitimate child. But in 1819 there came to Paris from London, where she had been living for several years as a married woman, named Virginia Conae, the wife of a glasscutter, She was, as it is alleged by the plaintiff, eneiente before she ever saw Musard, but before her accouchement she became his mis tress, and obtained a great ascendancy over him. Her child was born on March 1, 1819, in the Rue St Appolline, but she omitted to register its birth in Paris. M. Musard adopted the child, and brought it up as his own, and five years afterwards this child was baptised at St Anne's, Westminster, in the register of which parish for the year 1824 appears this sentry Alfred, born March 1, 1819, son of Philip and Virginia Musard.' In. 1846, Musard, by a notorial act, recognised Alfred Musard as his illegitimate son. Madame Cor.ne's husband lived till January 10, 1850, when he died in London, and on November 12 of the same year Musard married her. From the time of his acquaintance with Madame Conne he neglected his son Edme, who, however, received a good education from his mother, Charlotte Susanne, but she dying and leaving him an orphan at the age of 16, he found himself in a destitute condition and applied to his father for assistance. The lat ter consented to do something for him, but on condition that he should only call him uncle. Edme Musard seems to have led a hard and precarious life, He was first of all bound an apprentice to an engineer, in order to be got out of the way of his more favoured brother Alfred. Afterwards he learned pianoforte making, and was for a long while in the house of Sax. He married a woman who had money, but unfortunately it was all invested in a firm which became bankrupt. By the marriage he has a son, 16 years old, who is now studying music at the Conservatoire. He was always treated as a pariah by the prosperous Alfred, who, in cha racter of his father's secretary, wrote him a very harsh letter, which was read to the Court. At Musard's death, in 1859, Alfred was found to be already in pose session of the greater part of his property. The plaintiff alleged that fraudulent deeds of gift had been made in order to exclude him from his legal share; but the defendant answered that Musard was in aiffi culties during the latter years of his life, that lie (Alfred) had paid his father's debts and taken his property as a security. Shortly after the father's death, Edme Musard, being in great distress, signed away all his birthright to his brother for the sum of 300 f in ready money. Latterly Edme Musard has endeavoured to give concerts in Paris, but Alfred, so far from helping him, has, it is alleged, always contrived to prevent his concerts from taking place. On one occasion, when Edma described himself in his bills as the " only son of the celebrated composer," the prefect of police, on the suggestion of Alfred, made him strike out the words, and the concert was a failure. The object of the pre` sent action was to have it declared that the release for the colourable consideration of 300 f was void, as having been obtained by undue pressure, and to have an inquiry whether Alfred Musard was not in reality the child born in the Rue St. Appolline on March 1, 1519, of the married woman Virginia Conne. The consequence of establishing the latter fact would be to show that Alfred was the legitimate son of Nicolas Conne, and that Musard's recognition of him was null and void, The Court, however, held that Alfred Musard had acquired by notoriety, by the baptismal entry at St. Anne's Westminster, and by the notarial act of 1846, the status of Musard's son, and that it would be against public policy and the articles 335 and 342 of the Code Napoleon to admit evidence to show that at the time of his birth his mother was married to another person than Musard It was also of opinion that there was no proof of fraud in the release by the plaintiff of his rights for 300 f. and ac cordingly the action was dismissed with costs." Agricultural Prospects. (From the Mark' Lane Express) The week opened with a very heavy fall of snow; wind E. to S.E. ; some rain fell at night, but before the following day a slight frost was experienced. On Monday morning there was a dense fog, and this lasted for some time, as for two hours it was thick and dark, the day proving of a very doubtful character. On Tuesday a thorough thaw set in, and the snow was fast disappearing, but no rain fell ; wind S.E.I; thermometer 45 deg; barometer 2910 in. Outdoor work on the farm was in consequence completely stopped, and the low districts would have an increase of water from the sudden melting of the snow—but still we hear of farmers having to fetch water from a distance and at . great expense, as it is probable that the ponds and wells will not be filled until winter has gone by and much more snow experienced. The wheat plant will have received a check from the cold nights, but may be more benefited than hurt by this change in the temperature. The sudden variations in the atmos phere are much against the threshing of wheat, greatly affecting the condition, and whilst there is no encourage ment in prices, the less this corn is exposed to the air the better. When the frost returns it may be in time to go to work again, and after a while amelioration in condition and value may be simultaneous, as foreign imports are and will be very limited for some months to come, It is high time a turn took place„and the long monotony , of the corn trade ought to be nearly over, as with the coming year it is to be hoped agricultural prospects will be more cheering then they have been for a long time past. On Wednesday the morning was damp and wet; wind round to the S.W. ; thermometer, 40 deg; barometer, 30 inches; all against condition and demand. On Thursday the wind had gone to the N.N.E., and it became much colder again; thermo meter, 35 deg; barometer, 3020 inches, and steadily rising. The morning was cold and dry, with 2 deg of frost, whilst at Rotterdam 13 deg were registered, and a keen frost appeared to be returning. Saturday morning was keen and cold; dur ing the previous night 6 deg of frost were registered, and the atmosphere looked threatening, and some more snow may not be far off, although the barometer was up to 30.60 inches. Without a covering this black frost may be too sharp for the wheat plant, hardy as it is ; for sudden changes from snow to melting moisture, and then to frost again, will try it. This weather must cause a good demand for provender of every description, and the farmyard will require and ob tain a considerable accession of cattle, as there is nothing in the fields for them, and the homestead will be full where there is plenty of stock kept, the most paying commodity now of any, and aiding the poor prices of corn of every de scription. The manufacture of malt, duty free, for the use of cattle is likely to prove a failure ; in the first place, the price is too high, for £l2 per ton cannot be afforded. One gentle man who has gone to considerable expense in erecting malt ings under the restrictions of the act, has found much trouble in disposing of the manufactured stuff, and such farmers who have complained of the price he has invited to send him in wheat or barley to manufacture in confor mity with the provisions of the act. He has, however, not had one application, in consequence of which he has petitioned the Comuissioners of Excise to allow him to use the premises for the manufacture of malt in the usual way and to pay the duty thereon, and the new system will consequently be a mistake as far as regards their attempt to bring it into notice. Others may be more persevering ; but none, we believe, will be encouraged if the price re main as high as £l2 per ton. There is a superabundance of barley suitable for this purpose at a very cheap rate— and, one third wheat, one third barley, and one third lin seed cakes, will make the best provender for beasts, while this compound is already being resorted to extensively in many counties. MR, SEWARD'S INDIGNATION LETTER.—The refusal of the American Government to allow money to be transmitted from England to alleviate the sufferings of the Confederate prisoners is very severely commented on by:the Patrie. The following is an extract from its ob servations on the subject :—" Mr Seward's letter is a mas ter-piece in its way—a master-piece of buffoonery, we should say, if we could find in our hearts to indulge in a moment's gaiety at the least incidents arising from Mr Lincoln's deplorable policy. Mr Seward refuses the money sent for the prisoners, because, says he in the first place, the United States have ample means for the support of the prisoners as well as for every other exigency of the war in which they are engaged,' and also because the insur gents, who have blindly rushed into that condition, are suf fering no privations that appeal for relief to charity either at home or abroad I' The Northern Government may have the means to meet all the exigencies of the war, but the subscribers had no intention to ruse Mr Lincoln's financial vainglory—they simply meant to perform an act of humanity. To this Mr Seward replies that the money is ' insidiously offered in the name of humanity, and (mark well the words I) that it constitutes no large portion of the profits justly supposed to have been derived from the in surgents, by exchanging with them arms and munitions of war for the coveted productions of immoral and enervating slave labour.' M. Prou ihomme himself could say nothing better. What lofty disdain, and how well it accords with the conduct of Mr Lincoln's Government. What I did not the sums found on board the Florida, which the Wash ington Treasury has not scrupled to receive, also proceed from immoral and enervating slave labour ? Have not all the provisions which the armies in the field plunder in the Southern States the very same origin ? Wouid Mr Seward think of recommending the soldiers of Grant and Sherman to die of hunger rather than eat the coveted productions of immoral and enervating slave labour ? Mr Seward adds that he cannot accept the money offered as a compensation for the calamities caused by the war, and that the offer of the English subscribers is only an officious intervention in the domestic affairs' of the American people. Lastly, Mr Lincoln's minister, who Beeper, conscious of the ridicule his letter entails, attempts to escape it by declaring that he does not think the insurgents h tve become debased, although they have sadly wandered from the ways of loyalty and patriotism,' and he believes that, 'in common with all Americana they will rejoice in being saved by their consi derate and loyal GoverniLent from tho grave insult pre pared for them by Lord W harncliffe and his associates The end is worthy of the beginning I Who can help ad miring Mr. Seward's eagerness to defend, against an insult from England, a people whom Mr Lincoln and his generals are pillaging, oppressing, and persecuting." raw. TOT at HER MAJESTY. OSBORNE, Dec. 28• The Queen, accompanied by Prince Arthur and Prince Leopold, walked out yesterday; and Princess Louise drove, attended by Countess Blucher, The Duke and Duchess of Somerset and Lady Gwendoline St. Maur are expected to leave Stover Park, near Totness, shortly after the 7th proximo, for the noble duke's official residence at the Admiralty. The Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe are enter taining a select family party at Floors Castle, near Kelso• The Marquis and Marchioness of Hastings hav e left the St. George's Hotel. The Marquis of Bowmont joined the royal circle at Sandringham a few days ago. The Earl and Countess of Leicester will entertain a distinguisted party at Holkham Hall during the ensuing week. Viscount and Viscountess Powerscourt have joined the family party from their seat in Ireland. The Earl and Countess of Clarendon and Lady Emily Villiers are expected to join the party invited to Strawberry Hill next week by the Countess (Frances) Waldegrave and the Right Hon. Chichestfar Fortescuer M.P. Lord and Lady Taunton and the Hon. Missal Labouchere, since they left Castle Howard, Yorkshire, have been staying at their seat, near Taunton. Lord Houghton has left town for Broadlands , Hants, The Right Hon. Sir George Grey, Bart., M.P., ani Lady Grey return to town the week after next for the season. Lifeboat Services in 1864. It is gratifying to learn that during the year which is just closing the lifeboats of the Nations' Lifeboat Institution saved 432 lives from various shipwrecks, in addition to contributing to the saving of 37 vessels. It also appears that, in addl' tion to the above number 266 lives have been saved during the same period by shore boats and other means from different wrecks on the coasts of the United Kingdom, for which services the institution had granted rewards; thus making a total of 698 lives saved from various wrecks in one year alone ; mainly through th 9 instrumentality and encourage' meat of the National Lifeboat Institution. For these joint services the society has granted £1,500 in rewards, and 22 honorary acknowledgments ; including silver medals and votes on vellum. The lifeboats of he institution during the past 12 months have also put off in reply to signals of distress 48 times, but their services were subsequently not required, the ships having succeeded either in getting off from their dangerous positions, or had had their crews saved by their own boats or other means. It often happened on these occasions that the lifeboat crews had incurred much risk and great expense throughout stormy days and nights. The number of lives saved either by the lifeboats of the institution, or by special exertion for which it has granted rewards, since its formation, is 14,260, for which services 82 gold medals, 742 silver medals, and £19,050 in cash, have been paid in rewards. When we remember that nearly every life saved by lifeboats has been rescued under perPous circumstances, it will at oace be seen what great and national benefit has been conferred by the Lifeboat Institution—not only on the poor men themselves, but also on their wives and children, who would otherwise be widows and orphans. How inadequately, then, can words es• press the aggregate amount of misery which the saving of so many thousands of lives must have pre , * vented; it can only have been folly appreciated by the parties themselves, and their relatives and friends, whose expressions of gratitude for such important benefits are often of the most feeling char ratter, During the year now closing the install , * tion has also expended £14,770 on its various life boatestablishments on the coasts of England, Scot 4 land, and Ireland ; and since its first establish ment the institution has also expended £12,000 on its life-boat stations. The Loss of the Seahorse, The following is the report of the Marine Court of Inquiry held et Singapore into the circumstances attending the loss of the British ship Seahorse of Liverpool :—We, the undersigned, having inquired into the loss of the British ship . Seahorse, of Liver+ pool, official number 27,666, burthen 866 tons, Robert Francis earthy master, find—That the said vessel left Liverpool on the 4th of June, 1864, bound for Shanghae, with a cargo of coals, Passed Anjer on the 4th of September, and made Maceles* field Channel, Gaspar Straits, on the 10th, when at about a quarter to 9 a.m., the weather being fine and the ship going about 1 knot, she struck on a coral rock, said to be about two miles E. N. from Jelaka Island, and in 45 minutes had 12 feet of water in her hold—the tide fell, and the vessel be+ came firmly fixed on the rock, which, from the rePi port of divers sent down by the Dutch president of Billiton, appears to be a small pinnacle with deep water all round. Any attempt to save the vessel became useless, and she became a total wreck. The master was on deck, the second mate in charge of the lead, and a man on the forecastle on the look. out, but no danger was observed. The ship was being navigated by a general chart of the East India Archipelago, sheet No. 1, published bylames Inaray and Son, Minories, 1864, a chart on too mai a scale for such a dangerous passage as Gaspar Straits. Many of the dangers are not laid down, and from the smallness of the scale, no correct bearings could be taken. A dangerous reef called the Discovery Rocks, is placed in mid channel, and it was to avoid this reef the master ventured too close to Pulo Leat, not seeing the danger be incurred, as the rock on which the ship was lost iS not marked on his chart. The only channel for which his chart was applicable was the Carrimatta, and this channel the master should have taken, and we cannot fully accept his explanation for not doing so, viz., easterly winds and a S.W. set. He would, in our opinion, have shown a wise discretion in sub* witting to some delay, instead of attempting a pas' sage for which his chart was so obviously inade 4 quate. Although in this the master was no doubt guilty of a serious error of judgment, we do not consider it a case of culpable negligence deserving of punishment, as from the evidence adduced he appears to have been very careful in the way he conducted his vessel, and had he been supplied with a proper chart on a larger scale, such as the Admi ralty chart of 1861-2, No. 2,137, of Gaspar Straits we believe he would not have lost his ship. We are of opinion that the loss of the Seahorse was owing entirely to the want of a proper chart of Gaspar Straits. We would also beg to observe that not only was the vessel despatched from Liverpool 11 14 sufficiently supplied with charts, but great remisa• ness appears to have taken place regarding th e , compasses; they do not seem to have been adjusted in any way prior to leaving port, or any deviation table to have been supplied, the standard compass on the bridge being of the commonest description , and quite unfit for the delicate observations requalt e to determine the deviation which always occurs in iron ships.—Dated at Singapore this 17th day of October, 1864. W. W. WILLIAMS, - Magistrate 0 ' Police ; JNO. LAURENCE KIRBY, Officiating Master Attendant, confirmed ; ORFEUR CAVENAGII, COlOlOl9 Governor Straits Settlement. ROYAL DRAMATIC COLLEGE.— GENEROUS Al° SEASONABLE GIFT.—At the meeting of the Council Ye s. terday, the Master (Benjamin Webster, Esq.) received from Charles Loftus Thorpe, Esq., a cheque for £5O ell behalf of this most excellent charity. CHRISTMAS AT CLARE• MARKET RAGGED SCIIOOI,B' —On Tuesday evening last about 100 of the elder girls an d boys attending the above schools were regaled with a an na P, tuous Christmas di nner o f roas t b ee f an d plum pudding' , the presence of their teachers and other friends. Jn' tiee having bean done to the excellent fare provided, the tabl!s were cleared, and preparations made for exhibiting a ntag_! I lantern, which had been kindly lent for the oc casion by INI Baker of Holborn. The views included the popular leggin: dary stories of " Jack the Giant-killer" and "Jack and s the Bean Stalk," and a miscellaneous c ollection of viev,, and humorous sli:es, w hi c h were described by Mr Palniceerr the secretary of the schools. Some songs and school pla were then sung by the children, and a distribution of brought this interesting gathering t 47 a C 10603,